When children were evacuated from our major cities during the second world war, that was not the end of it. They needed to be provided for in terms of clothing and schooling. And it was not known for how long this assistance would be required. Various charitable bodies joined forces to help.
“EVACUEES FROM THE CITIES
INFLUENTIAL APPEAL
Evacuation of mothers and children from the danger zones of our cities has brought out, in a forcible manner, the urgent need for clothing of all kinds for many of the evacuees owing to changed conditions of life and for comforts for mothers in the emergency maternity hospitals. Unless this need can be supplied, the advent of wintry weather will exact a heavy toll.
There are, of course, others in the poorer districts of town and country who require assistance in a like manner, and who would, so far as is possible, be helped.
The matter is one of close concern to Lincolnshire and Rutland, where temporary homes have been found for many women and children evacated from the poorer quarters of various populous centres.
The national Council for Maternity and Child Welfare, representing the more important national societies concenred with mothers and children, is issuing an appeal on behalf of expectant mothers and children under five. The Council is receiving many applications for help and advice, and it is known that a vast amount of voluntary aid is at present unused because, while many people are anxious to give service in making garments, they are held back by lack of money with which to purchase materials. This is particularly the case with many women’s organisations and working parties throughout the country.
EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION
Money received will be expended in obtaining materials at as low a cost as possible with the co-operation of the Personal Service League and the distribtuion of garments will be made in consultation with local maternity and child welfare authorities or responsible local organisations. This will ensure a just distribution and secure that garments will reach only those in genuine need, for whom they are intended, and not families who should be able to provide for their own requirements.
Their Majesties the Queen and Queen Mother have graciously contributed to the fund. Its needs are very urgent, and contributions of any amount marked ‘Material Fund,’ will be welcomed by the honorary treasurer of the National Council for Maternity and Child Welfare, Carnegie House, 117, Piccadilly, London, W.1.
The appeal is issued over the signatures of Sir Bruce Bruce-Porter, chairman of the Clothing Appeak Committee; Dame, A. Louise McIlroy and Lady Cynthia Colville, of the National Council for Maternity and Child Welfare; Mr. Reginald R. Garratt, hon. treasurer of the National Council for Maternity and Child Welfare; the Right Hon. Margaret G. Bondfield, of the Women’s Group on Problems arising from Evacuation; and the Hon. Mrs. Sydney Marsham, of the Personal Service League.”
The Stamford Mercury, 19th January, 1940.